Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has secured €117,000 (about N200 million) grant from the European Union to develop a solar-powered integrated aquaponics system focused on catfish production, vegetable and maize farming.
According to a statement by Mr Adekunle Adams, spokesman for Yabatech, on Monday, the grant was secured under a project titled Integrated Aquaponics System for Sustainable Catfish Production and Dual-Crop Cultivation of Leafy Vegetables and Corn (AQUACLEC).
AQUACLEC is being coordinated by Dr Funmilayo Doherty with technical support from the University of Lagos, the University of Turku and the University of Lapland. Doherty is also the Director, Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, Yabatech.
Adams said the project aimed to enhance food security through the development of a solar-powered aquaponics system that integrates catfish production with vegetable and maize farming.
“Yabatech has recorded another major breakthrough in research and innovation after securing a grant of 117,000 Euros, equivalent to over N200,000,000, from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme,” he stated.
He explained that the grant would support the establishment of a local innovation hub in Lagos, testing and replication of the system, and promotion of sustainable agriculture and community-based food resilience.
Adams said Doherty attributed the success to Yabatech’s determination to align research with national and global challenges under the leadership of Dr Ibraheem Abdul.
He quoted Doherty as saying that deliberate efforts were being made by the college to bridge the gap between technical education and real-world needs, preparing Nigerian youths to compete favourably in both local and international spaces.
*“The present administration of the college has consistently supported research proposals and international collaborations that extend beyond the classroom, reinforcing Yabatech’s image as a hub of innovation and social impact.
“The project is designed to be replicable, scalable across Nigeria and West Africa, leveraging Yabatech’s pool of over 200 PhD-qualified lecturers for research, training and policy engagement.
“This milestone followed another win for Yabatech under the National Youth Employment Skills Acquisition Framework (NYESAF) in training 200 young Nigerians in digital and creative media skills.
“The EU grant and NYESAF programme highlight Yabatech’s dual role as a centre of academic excellence and driver of national development, meeting technical education and real-world needs,”* Adams added.
(NAN)